$1,895 given of $16,000 goal

Itiyopiya's MSW Funding

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Itiyopiya's MSW Funding

Please support Itiyopiya Ewart attending Western Carolina University’s Social Work program this Fall 2019! She has been accepted into the program and is seeking support for $16,000 of the $20,000 total first-year cost of the full-time, 2 year Master of Social Work (MSW) program. The cost includes tuition, books and child care for her 2 children, Trelawney and Tatek (ages 21 -months and 7 -years old).

Itiyopiya intends to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and will root her work in Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trauma-Related Mental Health. Itiyopiya believes that “understanding and healing our own personal trauma will help to grow empathy for ourselves which can be reciprocated to others.” She demonstrates her commitment to building a just and equitable Asheville through her work within various community social justice movements. Through supporting her vision of obtaining an MSW, we will uplift an already engaged and valued African-American community leader. Councilperson Sheneika Smith says “Itiyopiya is a community treasure; a brilliant thinker with a golden heart. The mastery she displays in social policy, government administration, childhood education and community resiliency is invaluable. This degree of passion, forward thinking and bold leadership is most needed at this time. She is so worthy of our support!"

For Itiyopiya's first Master's degree in Teaching, she successfully yet stressfully "hustled" her way through school as a single mother of a young child. Our invitation and hope with this campaign is that she will not have to experience similar hardship as she obtains her MSW., particularly in avoiding additional student loans that hinder so many students, and especially students of color. Please join in the support of Itiyopiya as she lives into her dreams!

Latest Update

Hi all! Through yours (and others) financial support we have fully funded Itiyopiya's first semester of school and some childcare for her little ones. Allies within the MSW program have donated most of her books and she's only had to buy a few. This community support is working y'all!
Itiyopiya has been finding her stride in this new program. Knowing that she has found her calling in doing this analysis, education and deep study thinking. Choosing a focus in trauma, substance abuse and adverse child experiences, Itiyopiya is not only learning A TON- she is educating her classmates and teachers regarding doing all of this work and learning with a racial equity lens.
We are still searching for continued community support regarding finances and resources to support the rest of this year. Please spread the word and the love!
We are also accepting support with Grant Research (outside of CFNC). Please get in touch if you have this skill to offer!
Love Itiyopiya, Eleanor and Robin

So excited that Iti is getting into the groove of her awesomeness! I look forward to being able to support her through these next few months. ❤

Hi all! Something weird is happening with the Plumfund. Until I hear back from them about what's happening, you can still contribute directly through CCS's pay-pay account here: paypal.me/robinfunstenCCS
Please indicate it is for Itiyopiya's MSW Fund in the memo if you choose to donate this way.
Thank you so much to everyone who has (successfully) donated on and off-line!
We have officially paid for Itiyopiya's first semester tuition and another student in the WCU MSW program is donating their books to her! Such community support is inspiring and comforting. Thank you for your continued love and assistance! We still need to find ways to support child-care, gas money and next semester's tuition. You can donate again, share this within your networks and contact Robin or Eleanor offline with other funding opportunities. All support (financial and otherwise)is appreciated! THANK YOU!!